Digital retail giant Amazon faced demonstrations in a dispute over workers’ rights and the support of unionisation at its warehouses across the UK on Tuesday (9 July).

Demonstrations happened in various locations across England, Wales, and Scotland. They coincide with workers at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse casting the first votes this week to force Amazon to recognise a union for the first time in the UK.

A separate rally outside its London included TUC Assistant General Secretary Kate Bell, along with Amazon workers and supporters.

The Coventry vote follows a three-week period during which union representatives were granted access to Amazon’s local fulfilment centre by the Government’s Central Arbitration Committee.

More than 3,000 workers will participate in the ballot. If the majority votes yes, Amazon will be required to negotiate pay, terms, and conditions with the GMB Union. The voting period runs until 13 July, with the results expected on 15 July.

Andy Prendergast, GMB union National Secretary, claimed the workers were facing “poverty pay and unsafe conditions”.

But a spokesperson from Amazon, that employees have the choice of whether or not to join a union and that the company offers competitive wages and benefits. Its minimum starting pay has increased to £12.30 and £13 per hour depending on location.